The Long Silent Hug

A special silent hug from my grandson.

In June of 2018 I suffered a massive ischemic (blood clot) stroke. The night before the stroke I had a bad headache which is one of the signs of having a stroke. Having a stroke at 61 was not something I ever considered.

I had taken a physical every year since I was 18 and my Cholesterol was always in a normal range. In 2005 my doctor wanted to put me on a medication to drive those Cholesterol numbers even lower even though there were acceptable levels. I just disregarded his advice.
That’s something I will always regret.

Since I was 35 I started taking a baby aspirin everyday. I honestly believe that regiment help save my life along with God’s mercies. On the morning of the stroke I woke up like everyday. I didn’t realize something was wrong until I tried to talk.

I went to the living room and told my wife that I wasn’t sure but thought I was having a stroke. She immediately called our daughter who’s a nurse. Our daughter told us to get off the phone and get to the hospital emergency room right now!

We followed her instructions. But before I got into the car I took three more baby aspirins. That was another move that minimized the strokes affect. During the ER examination the stroke was already beginning to subside.

After all the test results were in the Doctor told me that he believed the stroke was far worse than what I had imagined. In his words he said while I laid sleeping at home in bed I suffered a massive stroke. My taking three baby aspirins before coming to the ER further minimized the strokes impact.

I spent a few days in the hospital running more test. I’m thankful I fully recovered from that stroke with no complications. Today I take a full 325mg aspirin everyday along with blood thinners and statins.

When I arrived back home and continued recovering my grandson Josh came by to visit me. Him and I had spent a lot of time together as he was growing up. I was there when he was born and I was his sitter while his parents worked. I fed him, bathed him, changed his diaper and read a thousand books to him.

I have written several pieces about Joshua in my portfolio. The Diaper Change, Potty Train, The Passy Monster, Joshua, Let’s Play, First Imagined Muscle Car and The Ships Muster! So you can see my relationship is very special with my Grandson.

As Joshua was preparing to leave after coming by and visiting me. He didn’t say anything but gave me a long silent hug. He didn’t need to say anything. That silent hug said it all. He graduates from High School this May 2025. I’m still here and will forever cherish that very special hug.